I guess the next topic of discussion should be how long Vijay can expect to play at this level. He did great last year and certainly has been on a tear this year. What does everyone think? Will he have a similar performance next year?
Excellence at any level of golf is hard to maintain over an extended period. VJ will eventually "cool off." VJ's not known for taking much time off, but he is nearing the end of his season. He doesn't play many (if any) "Silly Season" events so we'll know more about the state of his game when the season starts again in January 2005. If he plays well in Hawaii, look out for another great year.
VJ's not very exciting but he's getting the job done. He's always played in the shadows of Tiger, Ernie, and Phil, but now that he's #1, the focus (and the target) will be on him. I think his days of being alone on the practice range are over now that he's "The Man." His guarded demeanor with the media will only add outside pressures to his game. Tiger handled those pressures and stayed in top form for a long time. Let's see how VJ and his run of great golf stands up when subjected to the trappings that come with being the best player on the planet. I wish him luck....he'll need it.
Excellence at any level of golf is hard to maintain over an extended period. VJ will eventually "cool off." VJ's not known for taking much time off, but he is nearing the end of his season. He doesn't play many (if any) "Silly Season" events so we'll know more about the state of his game when the season starts again in January 2005. If he plays well in Hawaii, look out for another great year.
VJ's not very exciting but he's getting the job done. He's always played in the shadows of Tiger, Ernie, and Phil, but now that he's #1, the focus (and the target) will be on him. I think his days of being alone on the practice range are over now that he's "The Man." His guarded demeanor with the media will only add outside pressures to his game. Tiger handled those pressures and stayed in top form for a long time. Let's see how VJ and his run of great golf stands up when subjected to the trappings that come with being the best player on the planet. I wish him luck....he'll need it.
I think this is a great analysis. It will be difficult for VJ to remain in his 'bubble' now and I think he will find that the 'trappings of success' are not all he would want them to be. If he can just focus on 'playing golf' I am sure he will remain great ...but that may no longer be possible. The media just hates 'unexciting players'.
I think this is a great analysis. It will be difficult for VJ to remain in his 'bubble' now and I think he will find that the 'trappings of success' are not all he would want them to be. If he can just focus on 'playing golf' I am sure he will remain great ...but that may no longer be possible. The media just hates 'unexciting players'.
I agree that leaguegolf's anaysis is very insightful, but Vijay has shown no inclination to get caught up in the "trappings of success" so far. All a player has to do is say "No" to appeals for interviews, outings, personal appearances, etc. that he feels interfere with his practice or other routines. The pressures will be great and the press will be unrelenting, but if Vijay ignores all that and simply focusses on his golf as he always has, it won't matter. Only time and its corrosive effects or injury will stop the juggernaut that is Vijay.
By the looks of it, Vijay will stay at the top for a long long time. Tiger really needs to get himself together next season if he wants to get that no.1 spot back! VJ is playing some amazing golf, and i hope ot can continue, more power to him!
I agree that leaguegolf's anaysis is very insightful, but Vijay has shown no inclination to get caught up in the "trappings of success" so far. All a player has to do is say "No" to appeals for interviews, outings, personal appearances, etc. that he feels interfere with his practice or other routines. The pressures will be great and the press will be unrelenting, but if Vijay ignores all that and simply focusses on his golf as he always has, it won't matter. Only time and its corrosive effects or injury will stop the juggernaut that is Vijay.
I agree that he has been able to do that 'so far' but the media really hound No 1. I will keep my original view until proven otherwise I think.. I hope I am proven wrong though
September 23rd, 2004, 08:32 PM
Linear Mode
Similar Threads
